BR112019014677A2 - very small aperture terminal including cell site components and a system - Google Patents

Abstract

a very small aperture terminal (vsat) and a cellular system to provide backhaul satellite communications to a cellular base station are disclosed. vsat including a core network device (cn - core network) with an evolved packet core; and a satellite modem connected to the epc cn device and to communicate over a satellite link, wherein the cn epc device generates the communication of user traffic from the cellular base station to the satellite modem.

Description

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

VERY SMALL OPENING TERMINAL INCLUDING CELL SITE COMPONENTS AND A SYSTEM

FIELD [0001] The present teachings reveal the integration of cellular and satellite backhaul components in a cell site to improve user experience, call setup times and latency. The present teachings also reveal support for local switching of voice calls at the cell site and flexibility to efficiently route voice and data traffic to different locations, geographic regions, countries or the like. The present teachings minimize costs for operators and also for end users.

BACKGROUND [0002] In the prior art, the cellular and satellite backhaul components at a cell site are separate and require loss of many hours of work, customization and costs for configuring LTE networks. The integration of these components improves call setup times, latency and supports local switching of voice calls at an LTE cell site, reduces the equipment projection area at the cell site and provides ease of provisioning the equipment .

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

APN Access Point Name CN Core Network CDR Call Data Record DSCP Differentiated Services Code Point eNB Node B Involved EPC Core Packages Involved

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GW Gateway HSS Domestic Subscriber Server IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem IP Internet Protocol LTE Long Term Evolution MGW Media Gateway MME Management Entity Mobility NFV Virtualization of Network Functions PCRF Fare Rules Policy and Function PDN Packet Data Network PGW PDN Gateway PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network SGW Service Gateway SIP Session Initiation Protocol TRX Transceiver (transceiver) UT User Terminal VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal Come back Voice over LTE

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art cellular system.

[0004] A typical LTE cellular system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The Core Network (CN) with Wrapped Packet Core (EPC) includes an MME (or MMEs), a Service Gateway (SGW) and a PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway (PGW). An enhanced Node B (eNB) communicates with an MME for signaling and a Service Gateway (SGW) for user traffic. All user terminal (UT) traffic passes through SGW / PGW to its destination. UT traffic (user traffic) can include voice traffic and data traffic.

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PGW forwards voice traffic to a Media Gateway (MGW), in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (FMS), which provides communications with a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). PGW forwards data traffic to an external network, such as the Internet.

[0005] 3 GPP standardizes the all-1P network called Long Term Evolution cellular network (LTE). LTE provides a faster rate than its predecessor, such as a 3G cellular network. In LTE, all user traffic, that is, voice and data, is carried as IP traffic. The LTE core network is called the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The EPC includes numerous functions, such as, for example, a service gateway (SGW) to connect to the access network, that is, eNB; a packet gateway (PGW or sometimes PDN-GW) to interconnect to external IP networks, such as the Internet and an IP multimedia subsystem (FMS); a mobility management entity (MME) to handle the control and signaling plan; and the home subscriber server (HSS) to facilitate subscriber-related information. The connection between PGW and the external IP network is provided by the SGi interface.

[0006] Cellular backhaul on a satellite backhaul provides traffic connectivity from cell towers in areas lacking servers (rural locations, islands, etc.) to telephone and internet networks deployed in centrally developed locations (urban locations, cities , etc.). Due to the delay incurred over satellite backhaul and limited radio resources, the user experience for voice and data traffic over satellite backhaul compared to low latency and high bandwidth terrestrial links is inferior.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art cellular system using a satellite backhaul as a backhaul carrier.

[0008] A prior art cellular system 200 may include a satellite backhaul 210 as a backhaul carrier. In system 200, traffic between eNB and EPC is carried as backhaul traffic using satellite backhaul 210, including a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), a

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4/12 satellite and a VSAT Gateway (VSAT GW). The eNB is connected to the VSAT and the EPC is connected to a VSAT GW to provide connectivity. In the network configuration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, PGW filters all UT traffic and sends it to a specific destination, for example, the voice and its associated signaling are sent to an MGW and the data and its associated signaling are sent to the Internet.

[0009] The present teachings reveal the integration of cellular and satellite backhaul components in a cell site to improve the user experience regarding call setup times and latency. The present teachings also reveal the local switching of voice calls, for example, at an LTE cell site. Current teachings also reveal the flexibility to efficiently route voice and data traffic to different locations or geographic regions (for example, different countries) to minimize costs for operators and also for end users.

SUMMARY [0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified way, which is described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed object, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed object matter.

[0011] A Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) to provide backhaul satellite communications to a cellular base station is released, VSAT including a Core Network device (EPC) with a Wrapped Package Core (EPC) - Evolved Packet Core); and a satellite modem connected to the EPC CN device and to communicate over a satellite link, where the EPC CN device generates the communication of user traffic from the cellular base station to the satellite modem.

[0012] A cellular system using backhaul satellite communications is released. The cellular system including a cellular base station; it is a

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Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), including a Core Network (CN) device with Wrapped Core Core (EPC), and a satellite modem connected to the EPC CN device and to communicate via a satellite link. In the cellular system, the cellular base station is connected to the VSAT, and the EPC CN device manages the communication of user traffic from the cellular base station to the satellite modem.

[0013] A very small aperture terminal (VSAT) for providing backhaul satellite communications is disclosed. VSAT includes an Evolved Node B (eNB); and a satellite modem connected to the eNB and to communicate via a satellite link, where the eNB communicates signaling and user traffic to the satellite modem.

[0014] Additional features will be presented in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practicing what is described.

DRAWINGS [0015] In order to describe the way in which the aforementioned advantages and features and others can be obtained, a more particular description is provided below and will be made with reference to its specific modalities which are illustrated in the attached drawings. Understanding that these drawings represent only typical modalities and should not, therefore, be considered as limiting their scope, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the attached drawings.

[0016] The present teachings disclose a satellite backhaul that provides the flexibility to transport LTE traffic from a user terminal (UT) to different geographic locations or countries based on the type of traffic. For example, Voice traffic is routed locally within the country to avoid long distance or international charges, and data traffic is routed to a foreign country that already has the Internet infrastructure.

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6/12 [0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art cellular system.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art cellular system using a satellite backhaul as a backhaul carrier.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the EPC functionality integrated in a VSAT according to several modalities.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the eNB Functionality Integrated in a VSAT according to several modalities.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a fully integrated eNB, EPC and VSAT according to various modalities.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a Satellite Backhaul VSAT with two Modem Transceivers and Embedded EPC Components according to various modalities.

[0023] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same drawing reference numbers will be understood as referring to the same elements, characteristics and structures. The relative size and representation of these elements can be exaggerated for clarity, illustration and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] The modalities are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant technique will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject of this disclosure.

[0025] The terminology used here is to describe only particular modalities and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used here, the singular forms "one", "one" and "o, a" are intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the use of the terms "one", "one", etc. does not denote a quantity limitation, but denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The use of terms

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7/12 “first”, “second” and the like do not imply any particular order, but they are included to identify individual elements or to distinguish one element from the other. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" or "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of characteristics, regions, integers, stages, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other resources, regions, integers, stages, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Although some characteristics can be described in relation to individual exemplary modalities, the aspects need not be limited to these in such a way that the characteristics of one or more exemplary modalities can be combined with other characteristics of one or more exemplary modalities.

INTRODUCTION [0026] The present teachings reveal the integration of cellular and satellite backhaul components in a cell site to improve the user experience regarding call setup and latency times. The present teachings also reveal the local switching of voice calls, for example, at an LTE cell site. Current teachings also reveal the flexibility to efficiently route voice and data traffic to different locations or geographic regions (for example, different countries) to minimize costs for operators and also for end users.

[0027] In various modalities, the present teachings reveal multiple options for integration including, without limitation:

• VSAT with EPC components (MME, SGW, PGW) and PCRF;

• VSAT with components of eNB, EPC (MME, SGW, PGW) and PCRF; and • Dual transceivers in VSAT for applications that require VSAT to communicate with two gateways (for example, separation of voice and data traffic)

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8/12 [0028] Under certain conditions, it is very difficult to connect a cellular network base station or an improved Node B (eNB), for example, an LTE eNB, to its Core Network (CN). Difficult conditions can include a distance to the core network, right of way to the core network, the terrestrial landscape or the like. For difficult conditions, a satellite backhaul is a viable solution for transporting traffic between the eNB and the CN. The satellite communication network for the LTE backhaul includes a VSAT and a VSAT Gateway (GW), where the eNB is connected to the VSAT terminal and the CN is connected to the VSAT GW. [0029] The present teachings reveal several network projects in which the traffic of an eNB is routed to two different geographical regions, locations or countries based on the type of traffic. Likewise, traffic from two different geographic locations or countries is routed to an eNB based on the type of traffic.

[0030] The procedures and messages described here are based on the well-known and widely implemented 3 GPP standard. As such, the present teachings refer to the standards and do not disclose special signaling as signaling for Specific IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) or signaling for Local IP access (LIP A).

Integration of EPC Functionality in VSAT [0031] Virtualization of Network Functions (NFV) of LTE Core Network (CN) functions allows the implementation of CN functions on small projection area servers and processor units, instead of CN equipment shelves. A cell site in a cellular system that includes a satellite backhaul network can serve from a few hundred to a few thousand users at user terminals (UTs). In such a cellular system, the displacement of EPC CN functions to the cell site has several advantages. Under NFV, the MME, SGW, PGW and PCRF functions can be implemented economically. In addition, MME, SGW, PGW or PCRF

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9/12 can be selectively enabled or disabled independently by a network design.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a cellular system including an EPC CN device integrated in a VSAT according to various modalities.

[0033] A cellular system 300 can provide cellular services to a user terminal (UT) 302 by connecting to an enhanced Node B (eNB) 304. The eNB 304 can connect to a VSAT 310. In FIG. 3, signaling traffic is illustrated by dashed lines and user traffic is illustrated by solid lines. VSAT 310 can be arranged at the cell site. The VSAT 310 can include an EPC CN 312 device and a modem 314. Modem 314 can be used to provide a satellite backhaul for the cell site. The satellite backhaul can provide one or more satellite links 304, 306 using a satellite 308 as a relay to connect the modem 314 with a VSAT GW 320. The EPC CN 312 device can provide one or more of an MME, a SGW , a PGW, a PCRF or the like.

[0034] In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 320 can provide voice traffic services for the UT 302, communicating with an EVIS 324. The IMS 324 can connect to a PSTN. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 320 can provide data access for UT 302 signatures by communicating with an HSS 322. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 320 forwards signaling between various functions included in the EPC CN 312 device and the IMS or HSS 322. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 320 forwards the signaling between an MME included in the EPC CN 312 device and the HSS 322 to access the UT signatures stored in the HSS 322. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 320 can provide data access for the UT 302 by communicating with the Internet.

Integration of eNodeB Functionality in VSAT [0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a cellular system including an eNB integrated in a VSAT according to several modalities.

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10/12 [0036] A cellular system 400 can provide cellular services to a user terminal (UT) 402 by connecting to an eNB 404, for example, a small cell eNB. In some embodiments, the eNB 404 can be integrated into a VSAT 410 with a modem 414. In FIG. 4, signaling traffic is illustrated by dashed lines and user traffic is illustrated by solid lines. Modem 414 can be used to provide a satellite backhaul for the cell site. The satellite backhaul can provide one or more satellite links 404, 406 using a satellite 408 as a relay to connect the modem 414 with a VSAT GW 420. The integrated VSAT 410 can be autonomous and can communicate with external EPC CN functions using modem 414 and VSAT GW 420. EPC CN functions can include one or more of an MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF or the like. In some embodiments, the eNB 404 can communicate with the EPC CN functions without traversing the satellite link provided by modem 414 (not shown).

[0037] In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 420 can provide voice traffic services to the UT 402, communicating with an EVIS 424. The IMS 424 can connect to a PSTN. In the exemplary embodiments, VSAT GW 420 forwards signaling between eNB 404 and various functions of the EPC CN 412 device. In some embodiments, VSAT GW 420 forwards signaling between eNB 404 and an MME function of the EPC CN device 412 to access UT signatures stored in HSS 422. In exemplary ways, the VSAT GW 420 can provide data access to the UT 402 by communicating with the Internet.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a cellular system including an eNB and an EPC CN device integrated in a VSAT according to various modalities.

[0039] A cellular system 500 can provide cellular services to a user terminal (UT) 502 by connecting to an eNB 504, for example, a small cell eNB. In some embodiments, the eNB 504 can be integrated into a VSAT 510 with a modem 514 and an EPC CN 512 device. Modem 514 can

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11/12 be used to provide a satellite backhaul for the cell site. The satellite backhaul can provide one or more satellite links 504, 506 using a satellite 508 as a relay to connect the modem 514 with a VSAT GW 520. The EPC CN 512 device can provide one or more of an MME, an SGW , a PGW, a PCRF or the like.

[0040] In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 520 can provide voice traffic services for the UT 502, communicating with an EVIS 524. The IMS 524 can connect to a PSTN. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 520 forwards signaling between various functions included in the EPC CN 512 device and the IMS or HSS 522. In exemplary modalities, the VSAT GW 520 forwards signaling between an MME included in the EPC CN 512 device and HSS 522 to access UT signatures stored in HSS 522. In exemplary embodiments, VSAT GW 520 can provide data services for UT 502 by communicating with the Internet.

VSAT with Two Modem Transceivers [0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a cellular system including an EPC CN device integrated in a VSAT according to various modalities.

[0042] In exemplary modalities, a separation of voice and data traffic may be desired. Separate traffic can be communicated to two different locations, for example, location A and location B. The two locations can be in different countries. In some modalities, voice traffic can be communicated via an intra-country satellite link. In some modalities, data traffic can be communicated via an inter-country satellite link.

[0043] A cellular system 600 can include a UT 602 in communication with an eNB 604 that is communicating with an EPC CN 510 device. The EPC CN 610 device can be included in a VSAT 610 that can provide a reduction in projection area size including two modems or 618, 619 transceivers. The second modem can be supplied together

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12/12 with one or more of the aforementioned VSAT integrations with LTE cellular components, for example, VSAT 310, VSAT 410 or VSAT 510. The VSAT 610 can include a 616 router to inspect and direct traffic to a VSAT GW appropriate. In exemplary modalities, UT 602 voice traffic and data traffic can be routed to two different VSAT gateways arranged in different geographic locations or countries. For example, modem 618 can relay satellite traffic 608 to a VSAT GW A. VSAT GW A can be used to relay data traffic 604 (dashed lines in FIG. 6) to the Internet. Modem 619 can relay traffic via satellite 608 to a VSAT GW B. VSAT GW B can be used to relay voice traffic 606 (solid lines in FIG. 6) to an FMS B 624. In exemplary embodiments, the FMS B 625 can be located in the same country as the UT 602 to avoid long distance charges and the like.

[0044] Although the subject has been described in specific language for structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. On the contrary, the specific characteristics and acts described above are disclosed as examples of ways of implementing the claims. Other configurations of the described modalities are part of the scope of this disclosure. In addition, implementations consistent with the subject of this disclosure may have more or less acts than described or may implement acts in an order different from that shown. Consequently, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should only define the invention, rather than any specific example given.

Claims (20)

1. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) to provide backhaul satellite communications to a cellular base station, the VSAT characterized by the fact that it comprises: a Core Network (CN) device with Wrapped Package Core (EPC); and a satellite modem connected to the EPC CN device and to communicate over a satellite link, where the EPC CN device manages the communication of user traffic from the cellular base station to the satellite modem. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the satellite modem communicates signaling traffic from the cellular base station via the satellite link. 3. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the EPC CN device manages the Internet Protocol (IP) address mapping for user traffic. 4. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that user traffic through the satellite link is communicated to one or more of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) , a Domestic Subscriber Server (HSS), an external network, and an EPC service node. 5. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the EPC CN device comprises one or more of a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Loading Rule Function and Policy (PCRF), a Gateway Packet Data Network (PGW) and a Service Gateway (SGW). 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cellular base station comprises an involved E node (eNB). Petition 870190067311, of 07/16/2019, p. 18/150 2/4 7. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cellular base station comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station. 8. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second satellite modem to communicate over a second satellite link with a data service; and a router for separating user traffic into voice traffic and data traffic, for communicating voice traffic with the satellite modem, and for communicating data traffic via the second satellite modem. 9. Cellular system that uses backhaul satellite communications, the cellular system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a cellular base station; and a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) comprising: a Core Network (CN) device with Wrapped Package Core (EPC); and a satellite modem connected to the EPC CN device and to communicate over a satellite link, where the cellular base station is connected to the VSAT, and the EPC CN device manages the communication of the station's user traffic base station for the satellite modem. 10. System according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the satellite modem communicates signaling traffic from the cellular base station via the satellite link. 11. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the EPC CN device manages the Internet protocol (IP) address mapping for user traffic. 12. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that user traffic through the satellite link is communicated to one or more of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Public Telephone Network Petition 870190067311, of 07/16/2019, p. 19/150 3/4 Switched (PSTN), a Domestic Subscriber Server (HSS), an external network, and an EPC service node. 13. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the EPC CN device comprises one or more of a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Fare Rule Policy and Function (PCRF), a Gateway Packet Data Network (PGW) and a Service Gateway (SGW). 14. System according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the cellular base station comprises an Evolved Node B (eNB). 15. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the cellular base station comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station. 16. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second satellite modem to communicate over a second satellite link with a data service; and and a router for separating user traffic into voice traffic and data traffic, for communicating voice traffic with the satellite modem, and for communicating data traffic via the second satellite modem. 17. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) to provide backhaul satellite communications, the VSAT characterized by the fact that it comprises: an Evolved B node (eNB); and a satellite modem connected to the eNB and to communicate via a satellite link, where the eNB communicates signaling and user traffic to the satellite modem. 18. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that user traffic through the satellite link is communicated to one or more of an EPC CN device, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Network Petition 870190067311, of 07/16/2019, p. 20/150 4/4 Public Switched Telephony (PSTN), a Domestic Subscriber Server (HSS), an external network and an EPC service node. 19. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the eNB comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station. 20. Device, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a second satellite modem to communicate over a second satellite link with a data service; and and a router for separating user traffic into voice traffic and data traffic, for communicating voice traffic with the satellite modem, and for communicating data traffic via the second satellite modem.